Things to do in Bangkok – how to spend your precious time here

There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok. With more sights and experiences than you can realistically fit into a single week, I wouldn’t try to tick everything off. It’s the kind of place where you can do as little or as much as you like, but it will quickly grow on you and leave you wanting more.

These were some of the places and experiences that stood out to me, along with a few I didn’t get to this time that you may want to consider as part of your visit.

Sights & Areas to Explore in Bangkok

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace was actually the sight I originally came to visit but I didn’t make it inside.  A local approached me and insisted that it was closed, despite my being highly skeptical. He was very persistent and eventually convinced me to take a tuk-tuk tour instead, which included several stops and finished with a Chao Phraya River cruise.

The tour itself turned out to be very good, but I still feel like I missed out. Looking back, I suspect it was a scam, or at least a deliberate redirect away from the Grand Palace. My advice? If someone tells you a major Bangkok attraction is closed, check for yourself before changing your plans.

Wat Pho & The Reclining Buddha 

Wat Pho was one of my favourite places in Bangkok. After the noise and chaos of the streets outside, the complex felt surprisingly peaceful when I visited.

You can wander through the temple grounds, admire the architecture and see the many cats that seem to have made the complex their home before reaching the enormous Reclining Buddha. It’s an impressive sight, but I actually enjoyed the whole complex just as much as the Buddha itself.

Wat Arun

I didn’t get to Wat Arun on this trip, so it’s on the list for next time. It’s one of Bangkok’s most recognisable temples and sits directly on the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Intharawihan

Another stop on the tuk-tuk tour was a relatively compact temple complex featuring Luang Pho To, a 32-metre-high standing Buddha. Compared with larger temple complexes such as Wat Pho, it was much smaller and quicker to explore, but the Buddha itself was impressive.

Chao Phraya River

A long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya was one of the highlights of my week. I spent around an hour on the river before turning into the smaller waterways and canals, where you get a very different perspective of Bangkok and can see how people live and work along the water.

There were plenty of water monitor lizards swimming around too, but the standout for me was catching a glimpse of the Giant Golden Buddha at Wat Paknam from the water. I only saw it briefly, but it was an unexpected highlight. If you’re visiting Bangkok, I’d definitely put a long-tail boat trip on the list.

Lumphini Park

I almost made it to Lumphini Park, but Bangkok’s heat had other ideas. I eventually abandoned the plan and retreated to the nearest shopping centre for some air conditioning.

It’s a large green space in the middle of the city and is particularly well known for its population of water monitor lizards, which wander around the park seemingly without a care in the world. It’s still on my list for next time.

Chinatown, Talat Noi & Song Wat Road

I only drove through Chinatown at night, but even from the car it was obvious how lively it was. The streets were buzzing, colourful and packed with people and food stalls.

I spent more time exploring Talat Noi, an old Chinese trading neighbourhood with a long history of automotive and machinery workshops. The narrow lanes are still dotted with evidence of that working past, alongside street art, cafés, boutiques and interesting old buildings.

From Talat Noi, I made my way towards Song Wat Road, which had a completely different but equally appealing energy. Street art, independent shops, cafés and restaurants line the area, making it a great place to spend an afternoon simply wandering and seeing what you find. For me, this was one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Bangkok beyond the major sights

Shopping in Bangkok

Even if you’re not visiting Bangkok specifically for the shopping, it’s hard to miss how much of everyday life happens in the city’s malls. They’re not just places to shop, but where people come to eat, socialise, escape the heat and spend time with friends and family.

If shopping is on your agenda, you have an enormous range of options, from budget markets and local brands through to high-end luxury. You may want to pack light and leave some room in your suitcase.

ICONSIAM is phenomenal and worth visiting even if you’re not particularly interested in shopping. CentralWorld was one of my favourites for discovering local brands I’d never seen before. I also came across Sleeping Cloud, whose pyjamas are particularly popular.

If you’re into fragrances, Bangkok is also a great place to browse. There are lots of beautiful stores selling interesting scents and products for both home and body.

For something more independent and less mall-like, I highly recommend Song Wat Road. There are plenty of interesting small shops and unique finds, including stores such as Road of Cinnamon and Oyster and Things.

Don’t overlook the everyday shopping

Big C Supercenter, opposite CentralWorld, is an enormous hypermarket where you can find just about everything. It’s worth a look simply for the sheer variety of things on offer.

And then there’s 7-Eleven. Yes, it’s everywhere, but Thai 7-Elevens are worth exploring even if you’re not looking for a quick snack. Alongside the food and drinks, you’ll find an impressive range of skincare, toiletries and travel essentials, often in convenient mini sizes. I tried a few things I wouldn’t normally come across at home, including Dubai Chocolate Pepsi. I did not like it.

More things to do in Bangkok

There’s plenty to do in Bangkok beyond sightseeing and shopping. Rooftop bars, galleries, museums and massage are all easy ways to fill an afternoon or evening, particularly when you need a break from temple-hopping.

Thai massage
There are Thai massage shops all over Bangkok, and I had a particularly good experience at Let’s Relax, a chain with locations across the city. There was one at the hotel, which made it incredibly convenient. It was clean, the service was good and, most importantly, the massage itself was excellent. Prices were also reasonable, making this an easy activity to fit into the trip.

Bangkok Art & Culture Centre
The Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC) is a striking contemporary building with changing art exhibitions, along with small bookshops, libraries and other creative spaces. It wasn’t really my cup of tea, but admission was free, so there’s little to lose by having a look if contemporary art interests you.

Jim Thompson House Museum
I didn’t make it to the Jim Thompson House Museum this time, but it’s one I’d consider on a return visit. Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who played a major role in reviving Thailand’s silk industry, and the museum is set within his former home. It offers a quieter cultural experience away from the intensity of central Bangkok. You’ll also see Jim Thompson silk products around Bangkok, although they’re firmly at the more expensive end of the shopping spectrum.

Rooftop bars
Bangkok is famous for its rooftop bars and spectacular city views. I didn’t visit one during this trip, but if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, this is another experience worth considering, particularly around sunset.

Are there enough things to do in Bangkok?

This article is by no means exhaustive, but you can see that it’s only just scratching the surface of what you can see and do in Bangkok. You don’t need to try and fit everything in – the great thing about Bangkok is that you can do as little or as much as you like. But, if you’re passing through Thailand or visiting the islands, I’d encourage you to give Bangkok more than just a quick stopover. Take the time to explore it properly, and you may find, as I did, that there’s more to the city than you expected.

Want more information on Bangkok?
You can find more information on how to spend a week in Bangkok here, covering more of the practical considerations.

Planning your next trip?
If you’re mapping out your own trip, I’ve created a free 6-question checklist to help you figure out what you actually need from the trip. Get the checklist here.